Visit Domaine Roulot – tasting of the 2016s from cask

It’s this time of the year – when I usually taste the lineup of Domaine Roulot – and why change a splendid tradition.

The tasting of the 2016s were however somewhat different to the earlier years, as the frost had caused some adjustments to the lineup.

First things first – no Meursault Meix-Chaveaux was made in 2016 due to the grapes lost to the April frost. Secondly Meursault Tillet was not made either, as the vines was uprooted – and further more many of the wines were produced in smaller quantities due to both mildew and frost problems in the troublesome 2016 season.

The 2016 Bourgogne Blanc

The Bourgogne Blanc was also very badly hit by the frost, but Roulot made a bold and creative move by including grapes bought grapes from both Macon and Chablis – to get at least some quantities to sell.

I was a bit sceptical as I’m not normally a huge fan of having the flavour profile changed changed dramatically by the addition of a large percentage of Macon grapes. The addition of Chablis grapes does however provide a nice balancing effect to the richer and more dense Macon grapes.

So the Bourgogne Blanc 2016 from Roulot has a delicate balance between Chablis, local Meursault based grapes and Macon grapes.

In my view it works well – and finds a new balance in this the entry wine – and it’s drinking both well and delightfully. This is intelligent wine making.

The Meursaults

Looking at the bigger wines and the lesser wines – the village lieu-dits are rather affected by the low yields caused by the frost. Whereas the 1er crus are less affected by the frost palate wise – with the Meursault Charmes most affected of the 1er crus and the Les Perriéres untouched by the frost.

The 2016s from Domaine Roulot

My initial thought was that the 2016s were a return to a more classical Meursault – after the rich and voluptuous 2015s.

This is however not the case at all domaines, as the heavy loss of grapes at some estates have given a large share of low yield cuvées with high intensity.

Roulot lost more than many others – 65% in total – hence his portfolio tend to have more low yield wines.

These wines a fine in their own right – but to call them classic in the same sense of the word as the 2014s – would be a mistake in my view. They have another level of intensity and density – and the aromatic profile does take a notch to the darker and more serious yellow fruits.

This being said – they do taste quite magnificently in their own intense way – and to be honest this type of white 2016s are found from many producers.

The top wines are however less touched by the frost – and provide effortless and rather classic styled Meursaults – of very high quality – without perhaps reaching the heights of the utterly magnificent 2014 vintage.

Domaine Roulot … the 2016 vintage – tasted March 14th 2018

To the notes …

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